ربيع الأول 10, 1434 | North America: Wisconsin

By Christina Harris

Daina Shilts competed at the 2012 State Winter Games at Granite Peak in Wausau, Wisconsin

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) athlete Daina Shilts, 21 of Neillsville, was recently selected to compete in snowboarding at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. Shilts, who is one of three athletes from Wisconsin representing Team USA, said, “This has been my goal since I was eight years-old,” said Shilts. “I am so excited for this opportunity.” Shilts has been involved in SOWI for 14 years, participating in athletics, bowling, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. During her time with SOWI, she has received multiple medals in snowboarding, alpine skiing and athletics. Shilts said her involvement in Special Olympics has encouraged her to take advantage of new opportunities. “It has challenged me to try new sports that I would not have done. It has also helped me to decide my future goals in career choices – I want to help other children like I’ve been helped through Special Olympics,” she said.

About Christina Harris: Director of Communications, Special Olympics Wisconsin